Elizabeth Ribarsky

E-mail:

Degrees:

M.A. – Central Michigan University

Ph.D – University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Personal:

I believe a good education should be challenging, encourage application beyond the text and provide a fun and engaging environment. I love cooking, and if I didn’t go to graduate school, I would have gone to culinary school. I also have an adopted dog who is rarely not by my side.

Interesting facts:

I originally started my college career as a biology major, but after taking one class regarding communication theory, I was hooked on my new major and future career. I loved being able to walk out of class each day and apply what I learned to my own relationships.

Learning philosophy:

I believe a good education should be challenging, encourage application beyond the text and provide a fun and engaging environment. Students should leave class every day with a better understanding of their own and others’ communication and relationships.

Research interests:

Interpersonal communication – specializing in the construction and negotiation of individual and relational identities. A significant portion of my work applies this focus to the context of dating and sexual communication and relationships.

Major project underway:

I am currently working on some data with a researcher at TCU to examine how family communication patterns impact how college students choose to friend or not friend their parents on Facebook. I am also analyzing data examining current ways in which parents communicate to their children about sex.

Listen to Professor Ribarsky talk about her dating research:

Advice to prospective students:

Your college education is what you make of it. I didn’t go to the biggest or best school for my undergraduate work, but I got an incredible education because I sought out opportunities to work one on one with faculty and engage in fulfilling co-curricular activities. Take control of your experience and your education.

Best thing about UIS:

The best thing about UIS is being at a small enough campus that your instructors know your name and your interests.